2021 GMC Yukon

The Sierra pickup truck may be the heart of GMC, but the Yukon has always been the soul - MOTORTREND

The 2021 GMC Yukon lineup gets a major overhaul both on the interior and exterior front with many first-in-class features including the Power Sliding center console, four new extra interior colors specific to the Denali trim to the 20-22" wheels on the base trim levels- SLE, and SLT. However, what comes as the biggest surprise is the addition of the new off-road-focused 4WD AT4 trim, priced at an MSRP of $66,095, which joins the comprehensive trim lineup, consisting of the SLE, SLT, and the Denali.

The 2021 GMC Yukon is currently on sale, at a starting price of $51,995 for the SLE trim. Offering 3 engine choices across the trim range, including the 3.0L turbo-diesel, and the only 10-Speed automatic gearbox, GMC takes care of the performance aspect of the SUV too, moreover now with the addition of an independent rear suspension, and of-course the new platform.

Coming into 2021, the 2021 GMC Yukon is offered in over 4 trim levels- SLE, SLT, AT4, and the Denali variants, with prices ranging from an MSRP of $51,995 to $69,695. The 2021 GMC Yukon offers three engine choices, namely the 5.3L V8 in the SLE, SLT, and the new AT4 trims, whereas the 6.2L V8 engine option in the Denali trim, along with a single 10-Speed transmission for all the variants.

The prices of the 2021 GMC Yukon start at an MSRP of $51,995 for the base SLE trim and goes all the way up to $69,695 for the top of the line Denali trim. However, that's not all, all the trims of the 2021 Yukon come standard with an RWD drivetrain. In order to get an AWD configuration, you need to spend a few extra bucks ($3000 to be precise) on your Yukon. 

Trims	SLE	SLT	AT4	DENALI
MSRP(2WD)	$51,995	$59,095	-	$69,695
MSRP(4WD)	$54,995	$62,095	$66,095	$72,695
Key Features	10.2-inch diagonal GMC Infotainment System	Adds/Upgrades to` SLE	Adds/Upgrades to SLT	Adds/Upgrades to AT4
	Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay	Wireless charging	Jet Black Interior accents	Denali Exclusive Instrument Panel
	High Definition Surround Vision System	20-inch 6-spoke polished aluminum wheels	20-inch Goodyear All-Terrain Tires	Bose 14-Speaker surround system with CenterPoint
	Independent Rear Suspension	Heated and Ventilated Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces	4-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension	Ambient lighting
	Trailer Brake Controller	Bose 9-Speaker Audio System	15-inch Diagonal Head-Up Display with Off-Road Inclinometer	22-inch alloy wheels

    As this cult SUV enters a new era, the American auto-marque has made several essential updates to the feature-list of the 2021 GMC Yukon. The major one of-course being the independent rear suspension, a GMC first. Another addition to the lineup is the new AT4 variant. The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 is specifically designed for the adventure-junkies and encompasses upscale amenities, unique AT4 interior and exterior styling, and rugged capability to maneuver the road less traveled, all for an MSRP of $66,095.. 

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Also Read:

• What really sets the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 apart from the regular Yukon?
• 2021 GMC Yukon or 2021 GMC Yukon XL, what makes more sense?

When it comes to large, three-row family-hauling, toy-towing muscle, the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are hard to beat - CAR AND DRIVER

We would strongly recommend the 5.3L NA V8 powered SLT trim of the 2021 GMC Yukon for an MSRP of $59,095, which is just about $7,000 more than the base SLE trim. It adds upscale touches such as the 20-inch 6-spoke aluminum wheels, ventilated front seats, and also a higher-quality Bose 9-speaker surround sound system that everyone prefers.

However, if budget is not a concern, one can go for the highest Denali trim which comes with a more powerful 6.2L V8 engine, with impressive off-the-line acceleration, and that sets a completely different tone with its ultra-luxurious cabin, all for just $69,695. 

Check out the Warranty, Maintenance Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 GMC Yukon>>

Redesigned from the ground up for 2021, the new Yukon borrows mechanicals from the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, but goes its own way with unique looks and a few novel features - CAR AND DRIVER

The 2021 GMC Yukon gets three engine options - a 5.3L naturally aspirated V8 and a 6.2L naturally aspirated V8. The 335 hp 5.3L V8 engine happens to be the standard powertrain of the 2021 Yukon, available in the SLE and SLT trims, while the 420 hp 6.2L V8 mill is available only on the Denali trim. 

In addition to those gasoline-burning engine options, GMC will also offer a 3.0L turbo-diesel inline-six which delivers an output of 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of your choice of powertrain, the 2021 GMC Yukon comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. By default, all the grunt is routed to the rear wheels of the SUV, until and unless you spend a few extra bucks ($3000) and get the optional 4WD drivetrain. 

The 2021 GMC Yukon, with its base 5.3L engine, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, while achieving the quarter-mile distance in 16.5 seconds. Replace the 5.3L V8 with the more punchy and potent 6.2L V8 in the Denali trim, and the 2021 Yukon can go from 0-60 in just 6 seconds.

Models	2021 GMC Yukon	2021 Chevrolet Tahoe	2021 Ford Expedition	2021 Nissan Armada
MSRP	$51,995	$50,295	$54,504	$48,900
Engine	5.3-liter Naturally Aspirated V8	5.3-liter Naturally Aspirated V8	3.5L Twin Turbo V6	5.6L Naturally Aspirated V8
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Transmission	6-speed automatic	10-speed automatic	10-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Power	355 hp @ 5,600 RPM	355 hp @ 5,600 RPM	375 hp @ 5,000 RPM	390 hp @ 5,800 RPM
Torque	383 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM	383 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM	470 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM	394 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
0-60 MPH	7.1 secs	7.1 secs	6.2 secs	5.9 secs
Quarter-Mile	16.5 secs	16.7 secs	14.8 secs	14.8 secs
Top Speed	NA	N/A	120 MPH	120 MPH

Moreover, the 2021 GMC Yukon comes fitted with an Independent rear Adaptive Suspension. This system automatically adjusts the stiffness of the suspension via variable-rate air springs, offering you a more comfortable ride regardless of whether the vehicle is lightly or heavily loaded. Nevertheless, the massive size and body on frame construction affect Yukon’s ride and handling quality. Maneuvering a Yukon in urban areas or city traffic is quite a chore even for the best of drivers.

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Also Read:

• 2021 GMC Yukon gets a full-on design revamp on both the exterior and interior front
• 2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Buick Enclave: Specs Comparison

The 2021 GMC Yukon, with its base 335 hp 5.3L V8 engine, available in the SLE and SLT trims delivers 16 MPG in the city and about 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are for the RWD variant, whereas the 4WD variant, on the other hand, is less efficient, as it delivers 15 MPG and 19 MPG in the city and highway respectively.

However, once equipped with the bigger 6.2L V-8 engine, like in the 2021 Yukon Denali, the RWD variant delivers 15 MPG in the city and 20 out on the highway, whereas the 4WD variant takes it further down by 1 MPG altogether. Credits for this improved fuel efficiency lands on the Dynamic Fuel Management system, which allows an engine to turn cylinders off when driving in situations that don’t require full power, like cruising on the freeway.

Models	2021 GMC Yukon	2021 Chevrolet Tahoe	2021 Ford Expedition	2021 Nissan Armada
MPG (city)	16	16	17	14
MPG (highway)	20	20	24	19
MPG (combined)	19	18	19	16
Fuel Capacity	26.0	24.0	25	26.0
Range (city/highway/combined)	390/572/NA	390/572/494	510/690/570	364/494/416

The 2021 GMC Yukon's fuel tank can stow up to 26 gallons of gasoline, which helps this SUV to extract the most range, before finally coming to a refill stop. All the SUVs in this segment have their respective MPG figures around the same ballpark. With Ford Expedition inching out a bit with a better-combined fuel-efficiency and a decently-sized fuel tank takes the mantle this time around, although the 2021 Yukon is not that far behind, even for a $51,000 335 hp SUV.

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Also Read

• Check out the Prices, and features on offers in the well-equipped mid-range 2021 Yukon SLT trim
• 2021 GMC Yukon Reliability, JD Power Report, Recalls, and Warranty

 The new Yukon's interior is a significant step up from the fourth-gen model, but that's not to say there isn't room for improvement - MOTORTREND

The 2021 GMC Yukon's interiors carry forward the legacy with head-turning style, modern amenities, and high levels of ride comfort. While the 2021 GMC Yukon's seating capacity is still restricted to a maximum of up to 9, the amount of space on offer has increased by 40%, due to an increase in 6.1-inches of overall length courtesy of the new platform.  

The layout of the dash in the 2021 Yukon is very much similar to the cabin of the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban. With aluminum trim, acoustic glass, and GMC-exclusive upholstery patterns, the Yukon feels a lot more worthy of the $51,995 price-tag than any of the Chevy. Moreover, the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali's cabin surely looks worthy of its price tag with a 4-color theme, exclusive Denali badges, chrome accents, perforated leather-appointed seats, and bright door sill plates. 

Models	2021 GMC Yukon	2021 Chevrolet Tahoe	2021 Ford Expedition	2021 Nissan Armada
Seating Capacity	8	8	8	8
Front Row (head/shoulder/Legroom) (in.)	42.8/64.8/45.3	42.8/64.8/45.3	39.5/63.2/41.1	40.9/63.8/41.9
Rear Row (head/shoulder/Legroom) (in.)	38.7/65.1/39.0	38.7/65.1/39.0	39.7/63.7/39.1	40/63.4/39
Third Row (head/shoulder/Legroom) (in.)	38.1/62.6/24.8	38.1/62.6/24.8	38/67.1/37.7	36.4/60.5/28.3
Cargo Capacity behind 3rd row (cu. ft)	25.5	25.4	20.9	16.5
Cargo Capacity behind 2nd row (cu. ft)	72.6	72.6	63.6	49.9
Cargo Capacity behind the front row (cu. ft)	122.9	122.9	104.6	95.4

The 2021 GMC Yukon houses a class-leading 10.2-inch diagonal touch screen infotainment display that runs the GMCs IntelliLink system for the SLE trim. Going up the ladder, the new $66,095 AT4 trim offers a 15-inch diagonal multicolor head-up display, that helps the drivers stay connected with all the vital stats. Moreover, the 2021 Yukon also offers a rear-seat entertainment system that comes with high-resolution 12.6-inch LCD touch screens mounted to the back of the front seats. With 25.5 cu. ft, the 2021 Yukon gains on the cargo-capacity front too, courtesy of the new platform.

 

Some of the infotainment features of the 2021 GMC Yukon are:

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capable
• 2 1st row LCD monitors
• OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation turn-by-turn navigation directions
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Window grid antenna
• Primary monitor touchscreen
• SiriusXM with 360L AM/FM/HD/Satellite with seek-scan
• Voice-activated radio

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Also Read

• 2021 GMC Yukon Infotainment, Seating, and Interior Features
• How much can the 2021 GMC Yukon tow?

Coming to an upper-middle-class neighborhood near you: The 2021 GMC Yukon is richer and bigger, with details and a price tag to match - The Car Connection

Based on the new platform it shares with the Tahoe and Suburban, the 2021 Yukon undergoes a major change in the dimension aspect, as it's now 6.1-inches longer in overall length. On the newly updated feature-list, 20-inch wheels adorn the SLE and SLT trims, whereas new 22-inch ones are employed in the Denali trim.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefits from a brand new C-shaped LED headlights with turn indicators integrated into the ‘C’. The front bumper is quite humongous in itself, but the grille eats into it in the middle. The hood of the car receives prominent muscular creases. Besides the skid plate, there is a black plastic cladding to protect the body when traversing over uneven surfaces. The quad-outlet exhaust all the more adds to the brawny character of the 2021 Yukon. 

Models	2021 GMC Yukon	2021 Chevrolet Tahoe	2021 Ford Expedition	2021 Nissan Armada
Curb Weight (lbs)	5379	5647	5443	5577
Length (inches)	210.0	210.7	210	208.9
Width (inches)	81.0	81.0	79.9	79.9
Height (inches)	76.5	75.9	76.6	75.8
Ground Clearance (inches)	8.0	7.9	9.8	9.1
Wheelbase (inches)	120.9	120.9	122.5	121.1

In terms of dimensions, the Ford Expedition holds the mantle in the segment. The GMC Yukon, although weighing the lightest in the segment, still weighs a tad heavier than 5000 lbs. Although, the light-weight does not necessarily mean it's fast, as it's still the slowest SUV of the lot.

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Also Read

• 2021 GMC Yukon Exterior Dimensions: Length, Width, Height, Wheelbase
• 2021 GMC Yukon Performance, 0-60, and Top Speed

The NHTSA gave the 2020 GMC Yukon an Overall Safety Rating of 4/5 stars. Since the 2021 GMC Yukon has not yet been put through a wall by any of the organizations, we have to address the previous year's rating in order to get an idea of how the all-new 2021 Yukon will fare on the safety aspect.

However, the 2021 GMC Yukon will reportedly be a lot safer than its predecessor, owing to the number of contemporary safety features it has to offer, and the fact that the GMC Pro Safety Plus suite is standard across the range, at no extra cost.

Some of the most impressive safety features on offer in the 2021 GMC Yukon are:

• High-Definition surround vision camera
• Standard Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• High-strength side-door guard beams
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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Also Read:

• Check out what the 2021 GMC Yukon has in common with the Rivian R1T pickup
• 2021 GMC Yukon: NHTSA and IIHS Ratings, and Safety Features

2021 GMC Yukon vs. 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

Coming from the same family tree, there's a lot (almost everything) that the 2021 GMC Yukon and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe share with each other. Ranging from the powertrain options to performance to space to almost everything else that you can imagine.

However, the GMC Yukon is a take on the luxurious aspect of life whereas the Chevy Tahoe does everything that the Yukon does but on a budget of $50,295. So now the final call lands upon you, whether you want to have a taste of the finer things of life or you want to go street smart and save some bucks. 

2021 GMC Yukon vs. 2021 Ford Expedition

The Expedition is Ford's answer to General Motors' full-size SUV lineup. The Ford Expedition is a pretty good SUV that can haul you and all your pals around in the utmost comfort. However, when it comes to street presence and the true gangsta vibe, the Yukon has a better report card. 

Moreover, the Ford Expedition is being carried forward to the model year 2021 without any changes, whereas the Yukon comes adorning an all-new bodysuit. So while the Yukon will garner you more attention, the Expedition will help you save some bucks in the long term. 

2021 GMC Yukon vs. 2021 Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada makes up for a very practical deal in this SUV segment. With the best in class power figures of 390 hp to the fastest 0-60 sprinting time of 5.9 seconds, the Armada surely gets the job done. So in case you are looking for a vehicle that gets the job done, the Armada is an ideal choice. 

However, if it's more than the "getting the job done" notion that you seek from a vehicle, the Yukon surely makes up for a stronger case. With an all-new look inside-out, a ton of features and amenities, and a suave street presence, the Yukon is a much more delightful choice than the Armada if not much more practical. 

The GMC Yukon has revived itself for the model year 2021, and for good. With better styling, more space on offer, 3 varied yet potent engine choices, and more tech at your service, the 2021 GMC Yukon is one hell of a vehicle, that makes it worth shelling out $51,995 for it.

Nevertheless, despite the onset of the new off-road-focused AT4 trim, and the new platform it's based on, it shares a lot with its competitor, the Chevrolet Tahoe, which goes to say that, it's not completely a win-win situation for the 2021 GMC Yukon.

Check out some Used GMC Yukon's for sale at just $28,000>>

Also Read:

• Check out these deals on a Used GMC Yukon on Sale for just $25,000
• How much more space does the GMC Yukon XL offer as compared to the GMC Yukon?
• 2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs 2021 Ford Expedition: Specs Comparison
• Check out some impressive deals on some new GMC Yukon's

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2021 GMC Yukon FAQs

When is the 2021 GMC Yukon releasing?

The next generation Yukon was released way back at the start of 2020, and it has since then started to even roll out of dealerships from as early on as the start of Summer 2020.

Are all GMC Yukons AWD?

No, the 2021 GMC Yukon comes standard with an RWD drivetrain, and only offers an AWD drivetrain as optional, and charges an amount of $3000 on top of the base price for this. However, the all-new 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 comes with AWD as standard. 

What is the annual maintenance cost incurred by the GMC Yukon?

On average, a GMC Yukon seeks around $353 in the name of maintenance on an annual basis. 

Can I lease the GMC Yukon?

Yes, for an affordable payment of $336 per month, you can claim your GMC Yukon for over a period of 36 months, granted that this excludes a downpayment of $1,000.